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I waited for him to find an answer. Minutes passed. It…

“I waited for him to find an answer. Minutes passed. It came to me that he had quit. He had glimpsed a glorious ideal, had struggled toward it and seized it and come to understand it, and was disappointed. One could sympathize.” quote by John Gardner
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““I waited for him to find an answer. Minutes passed. It came to me that he had quit. He had glimpsed a glorious ideal, had struggled toward it and seized it and come to understand it, and was disappointed. One could sympathize.””

John Gardner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The narrator observes a person who, after chasing an ideal, ends in disappointment, highlighting the fragile nature of idealism.

In simple terms: Chasing ideals can lead to disillusionment.

Key Takeaway

Pursue realistic goals.

Themes

idealism disillusionment expectation

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career goals
  • artistic pursuits
  • personal relationships

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology human nature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes an ideal unattainable?
  • How can one balance hope with realism?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may ignore practical limits.

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